Sunday, December 21, 2008

Ever since I was in the second grade I knew what I wanted to name my first son. Wierd, maybe, but I knew. I had a name picked out and I stuck with it for a long time. When Tony and I were dating and talking about kids, I let him know that I wanted this name and made him like it, despite the fact that a kid with the same name bullied him as a kid. Then I found out I was pregnant. And slowly the name has faded and I don't like it anymore. I think Tony is happy I have moved on.

And I never could decide on a girls name. And Tony is pickier than I am. So, we have no names. Hopefully when we find out the gender, we will have an easier time deciding. But for now, we can't think of any that we love. Some that we like, that are ok, but none that we could picture naming our child.

So, we would love any suggestions for names. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1- We would prefer a name that means something.2- We want a name that is fairly unique, but not bizarre.3- If the name lends itself to nicknames, fine, if not, fine.4- If you make a suggestion, please don't be offended if we don't use it. It doesn't mean we don't like you.

And also, since we don't know the gender yet, we would love to hear your guesses as to what it is that I am growing.

Thanks for taking the time to respond. We look forward to your input. :)

Monday, November 17, 2008

Today Tony had an appointment scheduled to have a punch biopsy done on one of his moles. When we were at his doctor last, he noticed a very small black mole and wanted to biopsy it so we set up an appointment for today.

Tony was laying on his stomach, the doctor had the area numbed, and was just starting to show the med student how to remove the mole.

I was standing by his head, watching, and trying to be supportive. As I stood there, I got light headed and the lights started getting brighter, but objects were getting really dark. I thought "hmm. I feel like I might pass out. I wonder if I'm going to--"

Then I am on the ground and Tony is yelling my name, unable to move because his back is bleeding. Fortunately, I didn't hit my head on anything.

Apparently I had leaned forward over Tony and everyone thought I was trying to get a better look, then all of a sudden I was falling down. I was slightly embarrassed and very scared.

The doctor didn't seem to be concerned. He made sure I drank some water and took some time to calm down.

When I got home I called my midwife's office and talked to the nurse. She didn't seem to be too worried, but had the midwife on duty give me a call. At my next appointment they will probably check my blood sugar and blood pressure, but she said it is fairly common in pregnancy and to make sure I drink plenty of water and take it easy.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

A few weeks ago we picked up a crib mattress from Daniel as well as a crib sheet. (Thank you so much.)

That same day we stopped at my mom's and picked up the crib that she used with Bethany. I was a bit reluctant thinking it might not be up to codes, but it is, and we were able to give it a good wipe down, and it actually looks nice.

So I was very excited to get home and put it all together. But we quickly realized it was missing some hardware. Not too surprising since it has been ten years and a couple of moves since the crib was used.

We weren't sure if it would make financial sense to buy the parts instead of a new crib, but Tony found a company online that sells parts for cribs. We called today and placed the order for the springs that attach the mattress base to the crib itself, as well as nuts and bolts, for less than forty bucks. They should arrive in the mail on Monday or Tuesday.

I am soo excited to finally be putting together the crib. I know we have a long time but having a crib assembled will really make it seem real. So I'm hoping the parts are the right ones and everything works.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

We had our first appointment on Wednesday and everything went well. Our midwife tried to find the heartbeat using a hand held Doppler, but wasn't able to hear it. So she scheduled an ultrasound for today.

So we went in for the ultrasound today and they were able to find the heartbeat right away and it sounded great. So many of my fears were put to rest when we saw our baby and heard his/her strong heart. It was amazing.

Our baby is real. I am really growing a life. Our life has changed forever. I am going to be a mom. And I couldn't be more happy or excited.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

We went to Muskegon yesterday to try to be supportive and encouraging to Tony's family. His sister Nicole had outpatient surgery. She had numerous cavities and because of her CP had to be out for them to put in the fillings. And Tony's brother is moving to Tennessee so we helped him pack some stuff. The details of the move make it quite concerning, but there is hope this will be really good for him.

After a few hours at the hospital and helping Joe for a while, we went to my mom's. She made us a chicken and noodle dinner, with homemade noodles. The meal is one that she rarely makes, but for some reason I have been craving it lately.

When we arrived, she gave us a gift that she had bought for the baby, a pack of three onesies. She said that she will have a little gift for the baby every time we come over. Those onesies are the first gift we have received for the baby.

I can't even begin to describe how happy that made me. Mom is celebrating life with us. She is happy for us. She is supporting and encouraging us. She is excited to be a grandma, to be a part of her daughter's life as it transitions to motherhood.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Today I am eight weeks pregnant. According to what I have read, my baby is about the size of a grape and the heart would show up in an ultrasound.

We had our first appointment on Monday, it was a pre-natal interview that was exactly what it sounds like. We met with our nurse and she asked us tons of questions, we had a chance to ask some, and she sent us away with tons of literature to read and a lab slip for blood work.

Unfortunately, our first real appointment isn't for another two weeks. We should hear the heart beat then, and we will be meeting with our midwife for the first time since conception. I am very excited and anxious to hear the heart beat.

I have still been struggling with nausea and stomach aches. Fortunately, I still have not vomited. But now barely any food sounds good. Even foods I normally love, like a tomato sandwich, and pizza, sound disgusting.

I don't feel like eating, but I know I need to, and when I let myself get hungry, the stomach aches get really bad. Tony has been really great at keeping me feeling as best I can. He makes sure I am eating and has been making meals when I don't feel up to it.

Eight weeks down, 32 to go. I have been told that time goes by really quickly, and I believe it, but the past four weeks seems to have been a very long time. I am trying to enjoy every moment and not look forward too much to the next step, instead savor the moment I am in.

Friday, October 3, 2008

I have been extremely cold lately. Wednesday night we stood outside for a few hours while helping with the CSA pick up and were ready to find our way back to our warm apartment.

As we opened the door we were welcomed by a tropical atmosphere. We checked the thermostat and it read that the temperature was well over 80 degrees. Apparently our thermostat does not work so we have to turn the heater on and off to regulate the temperature.

I was warm for a few minutes, but then cold. With our apartment still very warm, I was freezing and wrapped up in two thick blankets. I did not have a fever or any other concerning symptoms.

Yesterday standing outside for hours again made me extremely chilled and again we came home to a very hot apartment. We took a brief nap and when I woke up I felt like crap. I was freezing and Tony was nearly sweating. I called my doctor to see if this was normal. I have never heard of being cold during pregnancy.

I have also been on the phone trying to resolve the heat issue. The woman I keep talking to isn't listening to me so she thought that we said the heat wasn't working. She also said that our thermostat controls the heat in two other apartments and the person in 2 complained she had no heat, so we need to turn the heat back on. They won't say when someone is supposed to fix the issue. I'm trying to not let this bug me, but it does.

The good news is that we don't pay the heating bill, but we still want to be responsible with heat and be able to live in an apartment that has a livable level of warmth.

As far as my crazy coldness, the nurse I talked to said that it is probably related to my thyroid and not to worry. They will test it Monday when they do the other pre-natal blood tests. She said it is common for women to have thyroid issues when they are pregnant, and since I already am on thyroid medication it is very likely that is what is going on.

That was a big relief. I'm still concerned that the levels could have a negative effect on the pregnancy, but after talking with her it sounded like there is no need to worry.

So, hopefully soon all of our heating issues will be fixed and I will not be experiencing these extremes as often.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

The past few days I have been nauseous frequently. I remember when my mom was pregnant with Beth that she suffered morning sickness at night. I have had it all day, pretty much any time I eat, or anytime I am hungry.

The good news is that there has been no vomiting. It takes a lot to make me throw up, and it has been almost four years since I have (the last time was two days before our wedding). I would be happy if it continues to just be nausea without vomiting.

I have also been getting up in the middle of the night to pee. I normally sleep like a rock straight through the night, so when this started a few weeks ago I was a bit confused. I am glad that I am able to go straight back to sleep when it happens.

I am a little over five weeks along, and am very excited about making it to six weeks. We lost our first baby just before six weeks, so in my mind that will be a significant milestone.

Our first doctor appointment isn't until October 6, which seems like a long time from now.

We still have to figure out names. I know we have time, but I want to make a decision as soon as possible.

Tony has started a grid of the things that we are going to need and an approximate cost. He has also started researching certain items to learn more about which ones are the best option for us. I love it.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

We found out this week and couldn't be more excited. I am only four weeks along and the estimated due date is May 20.

Life is changing and I am extremely happy about it. We don't know the answers to many questions, such as where we will live after the baby is born, or how our schedule will work out, or what kind of support network we will have in Grand Rapids, but we are confident that our story will continue to unfold in creative and wonderful ways and we are committed to making the best choices possible for our child.

In the few days that we have known, it has been pure joy to talk with Tony about the many joys and struggles that lay ahead. He is going to be the best father a child could want or need. He is already so protective of me and the baby, learning all about the dos and don'ts of pregnancy. I couldn't imagine having a child with any other man.

Looking forward to nausea, frequent peeing, and many other reminders of the baby I am growing.